MX2009002039A

MX2009002039A - Systems and methods for hydration sensing and monitoring.

Info

Publication number: MX2009002039A
Application number: MX2009002039A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Andrew Mark Long; Davis Dang Hoang Nhan; Sridhar Ranganathan; Darold Dean Tippey; Andrew Thomas Baker; Thomas Michael Ales Iii; Shawn Jeffrey Sullivan
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Co
Priority date: 2006-08-25
Filing date: 2007-08-22
Publication date: 2009-03-06
Also published as: US20080051745A1; KR101393900B1; WO2008024860A3; WO2008024860A2; US8057454B2; KR20090054966A; AU2007286682B2; EP2054003B1; EP2054003B2; EP2054003A2; AU2007286682A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERCEPTION AND HYDRATION MONITORING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to determining hydration in an absorbent article or a person.

Description of Related Art The determination of the hydration of a person can be critical to provide adequate care to people who are not able to take care of themselves. Providing adequate care can involve providing such people with sufficient nutrition. Some of the most important nutrients are fluids, for example, water. Water plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, transporting other nutrients and oxygen to cells, removing waste, cushioning them together, protecting organs and tissues, and many other significant biological functions. Therefore, a well hydrated person is vital to maintain the health of the person.

The determination of hydration can be especially critical while taking care of newborns who are unable to communicate with a caregiver. For example it is crucial for a newborn to get enough nutrition in the first weeks to ensure proper development. In the case of babies who are breastfeeding, mothers have great difficulty in judging whether their babies are getting enough milk. Typically, pediatricians advise parents to monitor the number of diapers that are wetted by the child per day or check the moisture of the child's mucous membranes to determine if the child is sufficiently hydrated. In other words, pediatricians rely on the excretion of body fluids to determine the hydration of children.

However, current methods only provide a crude estimate of the excretion of body fluids, which may not be accurate to indicate a person's hydration. Therefore, there is a need not only to determine the amount of fluid that has flown from a person but also a fluid greeting rate, which provides a better indication of whether a person is hydrated.

Therefore, what is required are the methods, systems and articles of manufacture to measure the amount and rate of fluid that has left a person.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to determining hydration in an absorbent article or a person.

An embodiment of the invention provides an absorbent article comprising a device for measuring a quantity of hydration in the absorbent product, the device being supplied in an absorbent area for receiving hydration in the absorbent product wherein the hydration alters at least one of an electrical property and a physical property of the device, the alteration of the property gives an indication of a plurality of degrees of a quantity of hydration in the absorbent product if n the number of times the absorbent product has been insulted.

In one embodiment, the altered electrical property is an equivalent resistance of the device. In an embodiment the device comprises a plurality of resistors wherein the hydration connects one or more resistors of the plurality of resistors to each other, thereby altering an equivalent resistance of the device, the equivalent resistance indicating the amount of hydration. In an embodiment the one or more resistors are connected to each other in parallel.

In one embodiment, the equivalent strength correlates to a dimension of one or more discharge areas of the absorbent article, the one or more discharge areas defined by hydration, and wherein the dimension is correlated to the amount of hydration. In an embodiment, the dimension is a length of the discharge area.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a ruler printed with ink on the absorbent area. Where the hydration alters a visual characteristic of the ink in a hydrated area defined by hydration, whereby the length of the rule comprising the altered ink provides an indication of the amount of hydration. In one embodiment, the spacing on the rule is adjusted according to the weight profile and the shape of the incontinent product.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor located spaced apart from each other in the absorbent area, wherein the hydration electrically connects a part of the first conductor to a part of the second conductor so that the resistance between the first driver and the second driver, the resistance indicating the amount of hydration. In an embodiment, the first sheet is a sheet previously stretched.

In one embodiment, the first sheet is interleaved between a plurality of barriers, wherein the The first sheet is placed around each barrier, and the barriers are configured to prevent a part of the first sheet from contacting a second part of the first sheet.

In one embodiment, the first sheet strip comprises a plurality of folds, each fold creating a separation between a first part of the first sheet strip and a second part of the first sheet strip, wherein each separation forms a resistor in series with the first part and the second part. In an embodiment, a separation resistance is greater than a resistance of the first part and the second part. In one embodiment, hydration can reduce the separation resistance.

In one embodiment, the device comprises an absorbent yarn comprising a conductive material, wherein the hydration hydrates a variable length of the yarn thereby altering a yarn strength, the yarn strength indicating the amount of hydration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a wick, wherein the hydration hydrates a part of the wick, thereby altering a wick resistance, the equivalent resistance indicating a quantity of hydration. In an embodiment, a plurality of rheostats may be connected to the wick where the hydration at The length of the moistened wick connects one or more of the plurality of rheostats to one another, thereby altering the equivalent resistance of the device.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining hydration in an absorbent article. The method generally comprises measuring at least one of an electrical property and a physical property of a device in the absorbent product wherein the measured property of the device is altered by hydration and determining an amount of hydration in the absorbent article at least partly on the basis of property as altered by hydration.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a resistor wherein the hydration alters the resistance of the resistor and the resistance of the resistor is associated with the equivalent resistance of the device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of resistors, wherein the hydration connects one or more resistors of the plurality of resistors to one another, thereby altering the equivalent resistance of the device.

In one embodiment, the method may further include determining the amount of hydration based on the electrical property that comprises associating the electrical property, as altered by hydration, to a dimension of a wetted area of the incontinence product comprising hydration, the dimension indicating the amount of hydration.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise determining a period of time over which hydration is received in the incontinence product.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a system for measuring hydration in a person. The system generally comprises an absorbent article and a processing circuit. The absorbent article generally comprises an absorbent area for receiving hydration, and a device placed on the absorbent area, wherein one or more of the electrical properties of the device is altered by hydration. The processing circuit can be configured to monitor the one or more electrical properties of the device and determine the amount of hydration based on the alteration of the electrical properties.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining hydration in a person, comprising determining the amount of hydration received in an absorbent product used by the person, determining a period of time over which the hydration was received in the absorbent product and determining an exit rate of hydration from the person based on the amount of hydration received in the absorbent product and the period of time, wherein the rate of hydration output indicates whether the person is adequately hydrated.

An embodiment of the invention provides a system for determining hydration in the person comprising an absorbent product comprising an absorbent area for receiving hydration, and a device placed on the absorbent area wherein one or more electrical properties of the device are altered by hydration . The system may further include a microprocessor configured to monitor the one or more electrical properties of the device, and determine the amount of hydration based on the alteration of the electrical properties, and a timer set to determine a period of time over which the hydration it is received in the absorbent product.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a device for measuring hydration in a product for incontinence. The method generally comprises stretching a first set of barriers defined in the device out of a second set of barriers defined in the device, wherein the first set of barriers and the second set of barriers are elastic and are predisposed to inter-arrange with each other , placing a sheet between the first set of barriers and the second set of barriers, and releasing the first set of barriers and the second set of barriers, thus causing the sheet to be formed around each barrier of the first set of barriers and the second set of barriers, where each barrier prevents a part of the sheet is put in contact with a second part of the sheet.

An embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a device for measuring hydration in a product for incontinence. The method generally comprises placing a sheet on a surface comprising a plurality of recessed areas formed on the surface creating a void in an area below the surface comprising the sheet so that, in each recessed area a part of the sheet is sucked into Through the recessed area to create a folded part on the sheet, the folded part of the sheet creates a separation between a first part of the sheet and a second part of the sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the manner in which the features, advantages and objects recited above of the present invention are achieved and so that it can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, can be taken with reference to the incorporations thereof which are illustrated in the attached drawings.

It should be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and that they should not be considered as limiting their scope, so that the invention can admit another of the equally effective additions.

Figure 1A is an illustration of an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure IB is a flowchart of example operations carried out to determine a quantity of hydration in an absorbent article, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an exemplary circuit diagram illustrating an arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 3A and 3B illustrate example schemes by correlating a dimension of a wetted area to a hydration amount, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 illustrates another arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates still another arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7A illustrates still another arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7B is a flowchart of the example operations carried out to determine an amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising an arrangement rheostat device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a paired conductive device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 9 is a diagram of an exemplary circuit configured to determine resistance changes in a spaced conductive device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a perception conductor with an increased surface area according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a perception driver cut according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a perception conductor made of printed ink according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a perception conductor made of a conductive wire according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 is a flowchart of the example operations carried out to determine an amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising a spaced conductive device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 15 illustrates a wick-based device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 16 illustrates a wick-based device comprising a hydration alarm, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 illustrates a wick-based device configured to provide a stepped resistance change according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is a flowchart of example operations carried out to determine an amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising a wick-based device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 illustrates a printed rule according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 20 is a flow diagram of example operations carried out to determine the hydration of a person according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCORPORATIONS Embodiments of the invention generally relate to determining hydration in an absorbent article and / or a person. The physical or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article can be altered by the hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical properties or Electrical can indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. In addition, a period of time to receive hydration in the absorbent article can also be determined. The hydration of the person can be determined based on a rate of fluid outflow from the person, computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period to receive hydration.

In the following, reference is made to the embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different incorporations or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the invention. In addition, in several embodiments, the invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. However, even when the embodiments of the invention can achieve the advantages over other possible solutions and / or prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not a limitation of the invention. Therefore, the following aspects, characteristics, incorporations and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where they are recited explicitly in the clauses. Similarly, the reference to the "invention" should not be considered as a generalization of a specific inventive matter described here and should not be considered as which is an element or limitation of the attached clauses except where it is recited explicitly in the clauses.

EXAMPLE SYSTEM Figure 1A is an illustration of an exemplary system 100 in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. As illustrated, system 100 includes an absorbent article 110. Absorbent article 110 may or may not be disposable. For purposes of illustration, the absorbent article 110 is shown as a diaper. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the absorbent article 110 may include any article intended for personal use including, but not limited to, training underpants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads, bandages, garments for health care or for personal care, and the like. More generally, the absorbent article 110 may be an article configured to receive and retain the fluid.

The absorbent article 110 can include an absorbent area 112, the hydration device 114, the processing circuit 118 and the timer 116. The absorbent area 112 can be made of any suitable material configured to absorb and retain the fluid. For example, the absorbent area 112 can be made of cotton, synthetic polymers such as hydrogels, super absorbers, hydrocolloids, absorbent woven materials and the like.

The absorbent article 110 may include a hydration device 114 positioned in the absorbent area 112. The hydration received in the absorbent area 112 may alter an electrical or physical property of the device. The alteration of the electrical or physical property of the hydration device 114 may provide an indication of the amount of hydration received in the absorbent area. For example, hydration received in the absorbent area 112 can alter an electrical property, for example, resistance, conduction, impedance, capacitance, inductance, or the like of the hydration device 114. The amount of fluid in the area Absorbent 112 can be determined based on the change in electrical property. Illustrative embodiments of the hydration device 114 may include any combination of a rheostat array device, a parallel blade device, a wick-based device, and printed rules discussed in greater detail in the following sections.

The processing circuit 118 may be coupled with the hydration device 114 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The processing circuit 118 may be configured to measure an electrical or physical property of the hydration device 114. For example, in a incorporation, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to measure the electrical resistance of the hydration device 114.

In one embodiment, an output device 120 may be coupled with an absorbent article 110. The processing circuit 118 may be configured to provide the output device 120 with data associated with hydration of the absorbent article 110 or a person carrying an absorbent article 110. absorbent article 110. The outlet device may be permanently or removably coupled with the absorbent article 110.

In an embodiment of the invention, the output device 120 may include display means, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), coupled with the absorbent article 110. The processing circuit 118 may be configured to display a value which indicates the hydration of a person carrying the absorbent article. For example, the processing circuit 118 may exhibit any combination of the measured electrical or physical property of the hydration device 114, the amount of hydration in the absorbent area 112, a fluid exit rate from a person carrying the absorbent article 110. and similar.

In an embodiment of the invention, the output device 120 may include an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to display a value to indicate the hydration of the absorbent article or of a person carrying the absorbent article. For example, when the absorbent article is hydrated, one or more light emitting diodes can be turned on to indicate the amount of hydration in the diaper. In one embodiment, a plurality of arrangements may be provided, each arrangement showing a value associated with the hydration of the absorbent article or a person carrying the absorbent article. For example, a first arrangement may indicate the hydration load of the absorbent article, a second arrangement may show the number of discharges, a third arrangement may indicate a state of hydration of the person carrying the diaper, and others. Each arrangement can be differentiated, for example, by the color of light emitted by the arrangement. For example, the red light emitting diodes can show the charge, the green light emitting diodes can show the number of discharges and others.

In an embodiment, the display media can draw a qualitative description of the hydration of the absorbent article or of the person carrying the absorbent article. For example, the display means can draw a plurality of hydration levels ranging from, for example, "well hydrated" to "severely dehydrated", or some equivalent scale thereof to determine hydration, thus allowing a caregiver to take an appropriate action. In one embodiment, the display means may be configured to exhibit a suggested course of action for a caregiver based on the hydration status of the absorbent article or the person. For example, the suggested course of action may include "diapering," "feeding milk / water," and the like.

The processing circuit 118 may include a logic for determining a qualitative output based on one or more parameters measured by the processing circuit. For example, in one embodiment, the processing circuit can determine the qualitative output based on the hydration measurements in the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the processing circuit 118 may be coupled with the memory comprising the data to determine the qualitative output. For example, the data may include ranges of fluid output rates where each range is associated with a particular hydration recommendation for the caregiver. The processing circuit 118 can measure the fluid exit rate in the absorbent article, compare the fluid output rate with the range data, and provide a qualitative output using the display means for the caregiver.

In an embodiment, the processing circuit 118 can be configured to receive one or more inputs of a carer. A caregiver can provide, for example, the age and weight profile of the user of the absorbent article. The processing circuit 118 may use the data inputs to calculate one more value, for example, the fluid exit rate, a recommendation for a course of action and the like. Therefore, one or more input devices, for example, buttons, depth switches, and the like, may be coupled with the absorbent article to facilitate data entry. In one embodiment, the input device may be integrated with the output device 120, for example, a digital display.

In an embodiment of the invention, the output device 120 may include a wireless transmitter for transmitting data from the absorbent article to another device such as a computer, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant and the like. The transmitted data may include, for example, the measured electrical or physical property of the hydration device 114, the amount of hydration in the absorbent area 112, a rate of fluid outflow from a person carrying the absorbent article 110, a qualitative description of the hydration status of an absorbent article or a person using the absorbent article, a suggested course of action and the like.

In one embodiment, the output device 120 can connect to the Internet to upload the data of hydration to a network site configured to accumulate and analyze hydration data. The data analysis may include, for example, comparing the data received or the accumulated historical hydration data for a user of the absorbent article. The analysis can be sent to a caregiver, for example, via email, text message and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the output device 120 may include a receiver for receiving wireless signals from a device, for example, as a computer. In one embodiment, the output device 120 can transmit the hydration data to one or more peripheral processing devices, for example, a computer, a network site, a cell phone and the like. The peripheral device can analyze the data and transmit one or more signals to said absorbent article. The transmitted signals may include data to be displayed on the output device, for example a recommended course of action for a caregiver. Therefore, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to display data received through the receiver on the display means.

The absorbent article 110 may also include a stopwatch 116. The stopwatch 116 may be configured to determine a period of time over which the hydration is received in the absorbent article 110. For example, in a In addition, the chronometer 116 may be coupled with a diaper and may be configured to begin at the time when hydration is first received in the diaper. The timer can be stopped at the time of diaper removal, thereby providing a period of time in which hydration is received in the diaper. In one embodiment, the timer 116 may be detachably coupled with the absorbent article 110. Thus, the timer itself may be used to determine a period of time to receive hydration in multiple absorbent articles. The incorporations of the chronometer 116 are described in greater detail below.

HYDRATION DEVICES To determine a fluid exit rate from a person, the amount of fluid expelled from the person must be determined. The amount of fluid expelled can be determined by the amount of fluid received in the absorbent article, for example the absorbent article 110 illustrated in Figure 1. As previously described, the amount of hydration in an absorbent article can be determined by measuring an electrical or physical property of the hydration device 114 in the absorbent article 110.

Figure IB illustrates a flow diagram of example operations carried out to determine the amount of hydration in the absorbent area 112. The operations begin in step 130 by receiving hydration in an absorbent area 112 of an absorbent article 110. The hydration received in the absorbent area 112 can alter a physical or electrical property of a device. hydration 114 placed in the absorbent area.

In step 132, the alteration of the physical or electrical property of the hydration device 114 can be measured. For example, the processing circuit 118 can measure a change in an equivalent resistance of the hydration device to determine the amount of hydration in the absorbent area. In step 133, the amount of hydration in the absorbent area can be determined based on the alteration of the physical or electrical property of the hydration device.

In an embodiment of the invention, the determination of the amount of hydration in the absorbent article can involve the determination of a dimension of a wetted region in the absorbent area based on the alteration of the physical or electrical property. The dimensions of the wetted region may include, for example, a wet region length, the wet region area, and the like. The dimension of the wetted region may be correlated with a quantity of hydration in the absorbent area.

For example, the absorbent area may have a predefined length, width and depth. In one embodiment, the predefined length can be 18 inches. In addition, based on the predefined width and depth of the absorbent area, the absorbent article can have a total capacity of 500 milliliters. The hydration defined in the absorbent area may soak along the width of the absorbent area and wet the absorbent article for a length of, for example, 5.4 inches. The amount of hydration in the absorbent area can then be calculated as follows: Amount of Hydration = 5.4. 500 = 150 mi 18 The computation shown above is for illustration purposes only. One skilled in the art will recognize that the correlation of the wet length or area to be hydrated will depend on the shape of the absorbent article. For example, the absorbent area can be of an elliptical shape or the absorbent area can have a variable depth. An appropriate formula for correlating the wetted area with hydration can be developed based on the particular shape, basis weight, and / or capacity profile of the absorbent area.

Alternatively, the alteration of the physical or electrical properties may be directly correlated with the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. By For example, a change in equivalent strength can be correlated to the amount of hydration in the absorbent article based on a predetermined relationship between the change in resistance and hydration in the absorbent article.

In the following sections, incorporations of the hydration device 114 are described in greater detail. However, the specific embodiments of the hydration device 114 described below are not limiting of the invention. Generally, any hydration device having an electrical or physical property capable of being altered by the hydration received in the absorbent area, the alteration indicating the amount of hydration, falls within the scope of the invention.

I. REPOSITORY ARRANGEMENT DEVICE In an embodiment of the invention, the resistance of the hydration device 114 can be altered by the hydration received in the absorbent area 112. The hydration device 114 can include an array of rheostats. By soaking the hydration a length of the absorbent area 112 the rheostats in the array of rheostats can be connected in parallel, thereby reducing an equivalent resistance of the hydration device 114. The equivalent resistance of the hydration device can be correlated with for example an amount of hydration or an area dimension wetted by hydration. The amount of hydration can indicate the total load of the absorbent article. Therefore, the equivalent resistance can indicate the product loading without requiring a physical inspection of the product.

Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram depicting an array of rheostat device 200, which is an embodiment of the hydration device 114 shown in Fig. 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the rheostat arrangement device 200 may include an array of rheostats comprising rheostats R1, R2, RN. The Rl-RN rheostats can be connected to a common node A, as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the Rl-RN rheostats can be disconnected from a second node B by an open circuit. For example, referring to R4 in Figure 2, the open circuit between node L and the node disconnects R4 from node B.

When hydration is received in the absorbent article comprising the array resistor device 200, the area soaked by hydration can expand along a length of the absorbent area 112. Hydration, due to its natural conduction, or through the dissolution of electrolytes placed on the absorbent article 110, can close one or more open circuits by connecting the rheostats of arrangement from node B. For example, referring again to Figure 2, hydration is shown expanding in the X direction. As hydration expands in the X direction, hydration electrically connects the rheostats to node B, thereby connecting the rheostats parallel to each other.

The processing circuit 118 can monitor the equivalent resistance of the arrangement rheostat device 200 through the nodes A and B. A person skilled in the art will recognize that if hydration is not received in the absorbent article none of the rheostats in the arrangement of The rheostat will be connected to each other and the equivalent resistance is considered infinite. However, as the resistors are progressively connected to one another in parallel, the equivalent rheostat through nodes A and B begins to fall when each resistor is connected to node B. The equivalent resistance determined by the connected rheostats can be computed from according to the following equation well known by those experts in the art: 1 1 1 1 -t- H- R EQ R R M where REQ is an equivalent resistance measured through the nodes A and B and Rl-RM are the resistors connected in parallel.

The equivalent resistance may correspond to a wet length of a hydrated region in the absorbent area 112. For example, the resistors may be strategically placed at a predetermined distance B (shown in Figure 2) from one another. Therefore, the connection of one resistor to another can correspond to a length of the area wetted by hydration, with each additional connection corresponding to an increase in the length of the area and treated. Therefore, the wet length can be determined by the number of connected rheostats. The number of connected rheostats can be determined by the equivalent resistance. The number of rheostats included in the rheostat array 200, the distance between the rheostats, the location of the rheostats and the like can be selected according to a desired resolution to measure the wet length.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the wet length of the absorbent area is highly correlated with a quantity of the hydration in the absorbent area. The correlation of the moisturizing-wetted length may depend on a variety of factors including the shape, thickness, uniformity and the like of the absorbent area. Figures 3A and 3B illustrate graphs of the example functions which can be used to determine the amount of hydration in the absorbent area based on the computation of a moderate length.

For example, graph 310 in Figure 3A illustrates the correlation between the wet pattern length and the size of the discharge for a first product for male subjects. The y-axis of the graph 310 illustrates the wetting pattern length in increments of 10 centimeters, and the x-axis illustrates the discharge size in increments of 50 grams. Function 311 can correlate the length of wetting pattern with the size of the discharge. The function 311 can be determined, for example, based on the test data 312 recovered during the test of the first product. The graph 320 in Figure 3B is similar to the graph 310 and illustrates a function that correlates the wetting pattern length with the discharge size for a second product configured to be carried by the female subjects.

Even when a correlation of resistance equivalent to a wet dimension, and a correlation of the wet dimension to a quantity of hydration is described herein, one skilled in the art will recognize that the equivalent resistance can be correlated directly to the amount of hydration. For example, the amount of hydration can be determined based on a predefined ratio between the equivalent resistance and the amount of hydration.

Fig. 4 illustrates an array rheostat device 400. The array rheostat device 400 is an embodiment of the arrangement rheostat device circuit diagram 200 illustrated in Fig. 2. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the array rheostat device 400 may include a plurality of first conductor lines 410. Each conductor line 410 may be coupled with a rheostat R as illustrated. In addition, each of the conductive lines 410 may be associated with a common node A. It should be evident that the node A in Figure 4 corresponds to the node A in the circuit diagram of Figure 2.

In one embodiment, the conductive lines 410 may be partially covered by an insulating material 420. The insulating material 4120 may be configured to prevent contact between the received hydration wave in the absorbent area 112 and the conductive lines 410 in places where the conductive lines they are covered by insulating material. Each conductive line may include a tip 411 that is not covered by the insulating material 420, thereby allowing the tip to be exposed to hydration.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the conductive lines 410 can be a variable length, so that the tips 411 of the conductive lines are at a predetermined distance from one another. For example, Figure 4 illustrates a distance D between the two tips 411. The predetermined distance between the tips 411 can determine the resolution of the length of the wetted area measured by the array resistor device 400. For example, the smaller the distance D between the tips 411, greater the precision of the measurement of the position of hydration in the absorbent area. Therefore, in an embodiment that requires superior precision a relatively larger number of tips 411 can be placed at relatively smaller distances D from each other.

The array rheostat device 400 in FIG. 4 may also include a second set of conductor lines 430. Each conductor line 430 may be associated with a common node B. One skilled in the art will recognize that node B of FIG. 4 corresponds to node B of figure 2. Each conductive line 430 can be placed in a relative proximity to one or more conductive lines 410. In one embodiment, the conductive lines 410 and 430 are attached to the absorbent article. In another embodiment, the conductive lines 410 and 430 are printed on the absorbent article.

The region between a conductive line 410 and a nearby conductive line 430 forms an open circuit which corresponds to the open circuit between the nodes L and illustrated in figure 2. The hydration received at or near a tip 411 can electrically connect a conductive line 410 to a conductive line 430, thereby connecting the resistors R in parallel.

As each conductive line 410 is electrically connected to a conductive line 430, one or more rheostats R associated with the conductive lines can be connected in parallel, thereby reducing the equivalent resistance mediated between the nodes A and B. Also as described above, the equivalent resistance can indicate the number of resistors connected in parallel, and consequently a wet length of the absorbent area. The wet length can then be correlated to a quantity of hydration in the absorbent area.

In some embodiments, an arrangement rheostat device may provide an indication of the expansion of hydration along both the length and / or the width of a wetted region. The length and width can be used to more accurately determine an estimate of the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Figure 5 illustrates an array rheostat device 500 that is configured to provide an indication of the hydration expansion both to the length and width of a wet region. The array rheostat device 500 is an embodiment of an array resistor device 200 described in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the array rheostat device 500 may include a plurality of conductive lines arranged in an elliptical configuration. As with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the array resistor 500 includes a plurality of conductive lines 510. Each conductive line 510 comprises a rheostat R and the conductive lines 510 are associated with a node A. The arrangement rheostat device 500 also includes a second set of conductor lines associated with a node B. The conductor lines 510 are partially covered by an insulating material 520 as illustrated in Figure 5.

Due to the shape of the insulating material and the arcuate configuration (specifically elliptical of the conductive lines, said conductive lines 510 may be connected to the conductive lines 530 regardless of the direction in which the wetted region is expanded. to the rheostats being connected in parallel regardless of the direction in which the wetted region expands, a more accurate estimate of the amount of hydration in the absorbent article can be achieved.

In some cases, the absorbent area 112 may contain multiple different discharge hydration points that are not connected to one another. A point of discharge is defined here as a region in the absorbent area that receives hydration. Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention configured to determine the amount of hydration in an absorbent article when multiple discharge points are present in the absorbent area.

Figure 6 illustrates an array rheostat device 600 comprising a network of connector pads 670. Each pad 670 is associated with a rheostat R, as shown in Figure 6. The conductive pads 670 are interconnected by the conductive lines 610 as It was illustrated. A conductive line 630 is positioned in a relative proximity to the conductive pads 670 and form a region 650 between each conductive pad 670 and the conductive line 630. The conductive pads 670 are associated with a common node A, and the conductive line 630 is associated with a node B, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In addition, an insulating material 620 may also be provided to insulate the conductive pads 670 from each other.

The region 650 corresponds to the open circuit between the nodes L and M illustrated in FIG. 2. Therefore, when the hydration is received in the region 650, the hydration can electrically connect a conductive pad 670 with the conductive line 630, thereby connecting A resistor R associated with the conductive pad to the node B is electrically connected. In the embodiment described in FIG. 6, the resistors R can be connected in parallel without import the location in which hydration is received. Therefore, the amount of hydration can be determined even when there are multiple different discharge points.

Figure 7A 'illustrates an alternate amount of the arrangement rheostat device for measuring a wet length. As illustrated in Figure 7, the arrangement rheostat device 700 may comprise a first set of rheostats arranged on a first side of the absorbent area and a second set of rheostats arranged on the second side of the absorbent area. For example, in Figure 7, the rheostats RA, RB and RC are shown arranged on the front side of the absorbent area and the RM, RN and RO rheostats are arranged along the back side of the absorbent area. The rheostats RA, RB, RC, RM, RN, and Ro may or may not have the same values.

The variable length conductive lines 710 may extend from the terminals of each resistor into the absorbent area, as illustrated in Figure 7. The difference between the lengths of the conductive lines (d) may be predetermined and may establish the resolution of the wet length measured by the arrangement rheostat device 700. Therefore, in the incorporations that require a high precision measurement, a relatively greater number of conductive lines (and rheostats) can be placed at a relatively smaller distance d from each other . An expert in Art will recognize that lengths d do not need to be equal to each other.

The processing circuit 118 can monitor the resistance across the terminals of each rheostat in the first and second set of resistors. When hydration is received in the absorbent area, hydration can be electrically connected to one or more conductive lines, thus shortening the circuit of a rheostat between the connected conductive lines. To determine the rheostats that have been placed in short circuit, a processing circuit 118 can determine the wetted length. In other words, by determining the specific rheostats that have been shortened, the processing circuit 118 can determine the length of the wetted region. For example, if the resistor RA is shortened, the processing circuit 118 can determine that the wetted region extends at least a distance d in front of the absorbent area.

A wet area of example 760 is illustrated in Figure 7. As illustrated, wetted area 760 connects the conductive lines associated with resistors RA, RB and RO. Therefore, the resistance measured through the rheostats RA, RB and Ro falls to zero because the rheostats are in short circuit. Therefore, the processing circuit 118 can determine that the hydration has reached the first three conductive strips on the front side and the first two strips conductive on the back side. Based on the number of conductive strips reached by hydration, the processing circuit 118 can determine the wet length. For example, if the distances d between the conductive strips are equal, the processing circuit can determine the wet length as being 3d for the wetted area 760.

Figure 7B illustrates the example operations carried out by the processing circuit 118 to determine the amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising an arrangement rheostat device. The operations begin in step 790 by receiving the hydration in an absorbent area 112 of an absorbent article 110 containing an arrangement rheostat device. The hydration received in the absorbent area can alter a resistance associated with the arrangement rheostat device. For example, hydration may alter an equivalent resistance of the arrangement rheostat device or short circuit one or more resistors associated with the arrangement rheostat device.

In step 791, the processing circuit 118 can measure a resistance associated with the arrangement rheostat device. For example, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to continuously or periodically measure the resistance of the array rheostat device. In step 792, a dimension of the region wet in The absorbent area can be determined based on the alteration of the resistance of the arrangement rheostat device. The amount of hydration in the absorbent area can be determined based on the alteration of the resistance in step 793. In some embodiments, the equivalent strength can be correlated directly to the amount of hydration. For example, the amount of hydration can be determined based on a predetermined ratio between the equivalent resistance and the amount of hydration in the absorbent article.

It is contemplated that the number of rheostats, the value of the selected rheostats and the placement of the rheostats in the incorporations previously described is not a limitation of the invention. Any number of rheostats, resistance values and placement can be used to achieve a desired resolution to measure a dimension of one or more of the wetted regions in the absorbent article. For example, in one embodiment, all rheostat values can be the same. In other embodiments, the rheostat values can be selected to provide a linear drop in resistance when the rheostats are connected in parallel.

II. Spacing Conductor Device In an embodiment of the invention, the hydration device 114 may include two elements conductors positioned in the absorbent area 112 and spaced apart from one another. The conductive elements may not intersect with each other, thus forming an open circuit · between the conductive elements. When the hydration is received in the absorbent area, the hydration can electrically connect a part of the first conductive element to a part of the second conductive element, thereby altering the resistance between the conductive elements. The alteration of the resistance between the conductive elements can provide an indication of a wet area dimension by hydration and consequently the amount of hydration.

Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary spaced conductive device 800 according to an embodiment of the invention. The spaced conductive device 800 may include a first conductive element 810 and a second conductive element 820 placed in the absorbent area 112. The conductive elements 810 and 620 may be made of any suitable conductive material such as, for example, a conductive wire, a needle conductive, a conductive ink paste and the like.

The conductive elements of Figure 8 are shown to extend along the entire length of the absorbent area 112. It was contemplated that any reasonable length and coverage of the absorbent area may be selected to measure the hydration in the absorbent article. For example, in a diaper, the conductive elements can extending along a crotch region of the absorbent area where it is feasible for hydration to be received.

The first conductive element 810 and the second conductive element 820 can be spaced apart from each other so that they do not intersect. Therefore, an open circuit can be formed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element when hydration is not present in the absorbent article.

When hydration is received in the absorbent area, the hydration can electrically connect a portion of the first conductor element 810 to a portion of the second conductor element 820, thereby closing the open circuit between the conductor elements. For example, in FIG. 8, the wet region 830 wets a region 811 of the first conductor element 810 and a region 821 of the second conductor element 820 and connects the first and second conductor elements.

As the wet region expands in the absorbent area 112, the connection between the first conductive element and the second conductive element can alter the resistance between the conductive elements. The resistance can be correlated to a dimension of the wet region, for example, the wetted area or the wetted length. The dimension of the wetted region can then be correlated to a quantity of hydration in the absorbent article.

Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit 900, according to an embodiment of the invention, which determines the resistance between the first conductive element 810 and the second conductive element 820. As illustrated the circuit 900 may include a differential operation amplifier 910. A differential amplifier outputs a voltage that is computed by multiplying the difference between the inputs V2 and VI (also shown as Vo) of the difference amplifier by a constant factor (gain). For example, in circuit diagram 900, one skilled in the art will recognize that the output voltage Vx of differential amplifier 910 can be determined by equation 1 given below: Vx = R2 (V2 - Vi), (equation 1) where, V0 = V2 - Vx The value of Vo can be determined by equation 2: (equation 2) where V3 is the input voltage supplied to the circuit. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 9, the input voltage V3 may be 3 volts.

Therefore, by combining equations 1 and 2, the output voltage Vx of the operational amplifier 910 is determined by equation 3 given below. [equation 3) As illustrated by equation 3, the output voltage Vx is based on the variable resistor Rx. The variable resistance Rx may be associated with the first conductive element, for example the conductive element 810 in FIG. 8. The first conductive element is also referred to hereinafter as the sensor element. Therefore, the first conductive element (sensor) can carry a fixed potential (voltage) and can determine the value of Rx.

The second conductor element 930 is also shown in Figure 9 and is also referred to as the element connected to ground. Therefore, the ground connected element 930 is shown connected to the ground 931. By filling the hydration the area between the sensor element 920 and the grounded element 930, the value of the rheostat Rx can change. As a result of the change in the value of Rx, the The value of the differential amplifier output Vx can also change. Therefore, the differential amplifier output can indicate the change in resistance of the spaced conductive device. The change in resistance can then be correlated with a wet area dimension for computing a volume of hydration in the absorbent area.

Increasing the resolution of the resistance along the length of the sensor element 920 can allow a better differentiation of the position of the hydration in the absorbent area. For example, increasing the ratio of the resistance per unit length of the sensor element 920 to the grounded element 930 can increase the resolution of the wet region dimension.

In one embodiment of the invention the spaced conductive device can include two spaced conductive sheets. The first conductive sheet may correspond to a conductive element 810 and the second conductive sheet may correspond to a conductive element 820 in FIG. 8, for example. The first conductive sheet may be a sensor sheet and the second conductive sheet may be a sheet connected to ground. The sensor sheet can act as a variable rheostat, where the resistance indicates the wet length of a region that receives hydration. Therefore, increasing the resolution of the sensor sheet with respect to the The reference of the blade connected to ground can improve the ability to differentiate the position of the hydrated area.

In an embodiment of the invention, to increase the strength ratio, the composition of the first conductive sheet can be selected to be different from the composition of the second conductive sheet. For example, the first conductive sheet and the second conductive sheet can be made of different metals so that the strength per unit length of the first sheet is greater than the strength per unit length of the second sheet.

In one embodiment, the first conductive sheet may be drugged with a suitable material to increase the strength per unit length of the first conductive sheet relative to the strength per unit length of the second conductive sheet. For example, the first conductive sheet can be drugged with carbon to increase the strength per unit length of the first conductive sheet.

In another embodiment, the first conductive sheet can be placed under a predetermined amount of tension to stretch the sheet. One skilled in the art will recognize that stretching the conductive sheet can affect the strength characteristics of the sheet and increase the strength per unit length. In an embodiment of this invention, the surface area of the sensor sheet can be increased in relation to the surface area of the blade connected to ground can increase the proportion of resistance. Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spaced conductive device wherein the surface area of the sensing conductor is increased relative to the surface area of the grounded conductor.

As illustrated in Figure 10, the surface area of the sensor sheet can be increased by winding or bending the sensor sheet to expose a larger surface area of the sensor sheet to hydration per unit length. For example, the absorbent area may include a plurality of barriers 1019 interleaved with one another as illustrated in Figure 10. The sensor sheet 1020 may be placed between the barriers 1010 so that the surface area of the sensor sheet exposed to the Hydration is increased. The barriers 110 may be configured to prevent the rolled or bent parts of the sensor sheet from contacting one another. The barriers 110 can be made of a suitable insulating material, for example, wood, plastic, rubber, glass, non-woven, thin polymer films and the like. In one embodiment, the barriers 110 may be made of a water-permeable material.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor sheet can be cut in a plurality of places to create a plurality of discrete regions of higher resistivity (in relation to the sheet), thereby increasing the resistance per unit length along the length of the cut sensor blade. Figure 11 illustrates an example cut sheet 1110 which is cut into a plurality of locations 1120. The cut of the sensor sheet 1110 can create a plurality of regions 1130 between the cut portions 1111 of the sensor sheet 1110. In some embodiment the regions 1130 may be composed of a material that is similar to the same as the material that forms the absorbent area 112. Thus,, in some embodiments, the regions 1130 can be made of a non-conductive material. However, it is contemplated that regions 1130 can also be made of conductive materials. For example, the regions 1130 may be composed of a conductive material of different conductivity to that of the cut parts 1111.

In some embodiments, the regions 1130 can be made of a material of a much higher resistivity compared to the sensor sheet portions 1111, the regions 1130 can act as the rheostats (R) in series along the length of the sensor sheet , as illustrated in Figure 11, and therefore increase the strength per unit length along the sensor sheet 1110.

As the hydration moves along the length of the sensor sheet 1110, for example in the x-direction illustrated in Figure 11, the hydration can soak the regions 1130, thereby electrically connecting each cut-off part 1111. The resistivity of the regions soaked 1130 may still be much larger than those of parts 1111, which are made of a conductive material. Therefore, as the hydration moves in the x direction, the processing circuit 118 can see a step change in the resistance as each region 1130 is soaked. The step change can allow a better differentiation of the position of the hydrated region in the area absorbent In an embodiment of the invention, the conductive elements 810 and 820 can be formed by printing a conductive ink in the absorbent area 112. The conductive ink can include conductive materials and can be formulated for printing on a substrate, for example, the area absorbent. The conductive ink may include one or more vehicles, for conductive materials, for example, resins and / or solvents. Various other ink additives known in the art, for example, antioxidants, leveling agents, flow agents, drying agents and the like can also be included in the conductive ink. The composition of the conductive ink can be adjusted by a skilled practitioner for a desired rheology.

Conductive materials in the conductive ink can include any combination of silver, copper, gold, palladium, platinum, and similar conductors. The conductive material may be flakes and / or powders. The amount of conductive material in the ink can be selected to achieve a desired strength per unit length for each conductive element. The resin in the conductive ink may include polymers, polymer blends, fatty acids and the like. Alkyd resins, refined linseed oil based resins, soy resins can also be used.

The solvents in the conductive ink can include any combination of hydrocarbon solvents, water, alcohols, for example, isopropyl alcohol and the like. In one embodiment, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent is employed. Any reasonable amount of solvent can be mixed into the conductive ink. Factors that affect the amount of mixed solvent including resin viscosity, solvation characteristics of the solvent, conductive particle size, surface morphology and distribution of the printing method employed and the like. More generally, the solvent can be added to the ink mixture until a desired rheology is achieved. The desired rheology, for example, may depend on the type of printing process used.

The conductive ink can be printed on the absorbent area using the printing techniques known in the art to print ink on paper and other substrates. Exemplary printing techniques include lithographic (water, dry and waterless) offset printing, flexographic printing, rotogravure printing (direct or off-center printing), intaglio printing, inkjet printing, electrophotographic printing (laser jet and photocopy), print press letter and the like.

In some embodiments, the conductive ink can be printed to form different parts of a sensor sheet similar to, for example, the cut portions 1111 illustrated in FIG. 11. Thus, the sensor element can perceive a step change in the resistance when moving the hydration along the length of the printed sensing element.

In an embodiment, different inks can be used to create a step change in the resistance. Figure 12 illustrates a printed sensor element 1200 made of different inks. An illustrated sensor element 1200 can be made of a plurality of sections made of a first type of ink 1201, and a plurality of sections of a second type of ink 1202. The second type of ink 1202 can have a higher resistivity compared to the first type from ink. Therefore, the second type of ink can act as resistors in a series along the length of the sensor element 1200, thereby providing a change- in resistance and increasing the resolution.

In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor element can be made of a conductive wire. The wire can be made of a fiber-based material, for example cotton or a suitable polymer-based material. The conductive thread may include a conductive material disposed in the yarn. By soaking the received hydration in the absorbent area of the yarn, the cellulosic fibers of the yarn can expand, thereby increasing the distance between the conductive materials placed in the yarn. As a result of the increase in the distance between the conductive materials, the resistance increases along the soaked length of the yarn. The increase in yarn strength can provide an increased resistance resolution. The resolution of the resistance may depend, for example, on the type and amount of conductive material placed in the yarn.

Figure 13 illustrates a spaced conductive device 1300 comprising a conductive wire. As illustrated, the spaced conductive device 1300 includes a lead wire 1310 which acts as the sensing element, and a grounded sheet 1320 placed in an absorbent area 112. Lead wire 1310 may include a conductive material 1311 placed in the yarn how it was illustrated.

When hydration is received in the absorbent area 112, hydration can cause the yarn fibers to expand. For example, wet region 1330 causes the yarn to expand along a soaked length of yarn 1340. Thus, the soaked length of yarn 1340 is shown as being larger in size than the length 1350 of the conductive yarn which is not It has gotten soaked.

The expansion of the fibers along the soaked length 1340 may increase the distance between the conductive materials 1311 in the soaked length of the yarn. For example, an increased distance between the conductive materials 1311 along the soaked length 1311 compared to the non-soaked length 1350 is illustrated in FIG. 13. The increased distance between the conductive materials 1311 can increase the strength along the the soaked length thereby increasing the resolution of the resistance along the sensor thread element 1310.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations carried out by the processing circuit 118 to determine the amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising a spaced conductive device. The operations begin in step 1401 by receiving the hydration in an absorbent area 112 of an absorbent article 110 containing a rheostat device of arrangement. The hydration received in the absorbent area can alter a resistance between two spaced conductive elements of the spaced conductive device as previously described. The conductive elements can be made of a conductive sheet, conductive ink or conductive wire, previously described. Hydration can also alter a resistance between the spaced conductive elements.

In step 1402, the processing circuit 118 can measure the resistance between the spaced conductive elements. For example, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to continuously or periodically measure the resistance between the spaced conductive elements. In step 1403, a dimension of the wet region in the absorbent area can be determined based on the resistance between the conductive elements. The amount of hydration in the absorbent area can be determined based on the resistance mediated in step 1404.

III. Wick-Based Device The shape of an absorbent core 112 may change during the use of the absorbent article 110. For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent article 110 may be a diaper. The absorbent core in the diaper can be subjected to wide variations in the shape during diaper use. For example, the shape of the absorbent core when a person wears the diaper while standing may be different from the shape of the absorbent core when the person is sitting.

The variation in the shape of the absorbent area can affect the dimensions of a wetted region, thereby affecting the accuracy of the amount of hydration measured by the processing circuit 118 using the hydration device 114. The accuracy of the measurement can also be affected by local variations in the fluff and the amount of super absorbent material (SAM) in the absorbent area that can cause variations in the amount of hydration absorbed in such areas.

In addition, the shape and size of the absorbent core 112, the material from which the absorbent core is made and the like may differ based on the nature of the absorbent article in which the absorbent core is integrated, and the nature of use of the absorbent article. . For example, the size, shape, material, etc., of an absorbent area incorporated in a diaper may differ from the shape of size, material, etc., of an absorbent area incorporated in a bandage. Therefore, the correlation between the alteration of an electrical or physical property and a dimension of a wetted area, and the correlation between the wet area dimension and the amount of hydration may have to be computed separately for each absorbent article.

In an embodiment of the invention, the hydration device 114 may include a wick-based device for measuring an amount of fluid in the absorbent area. The transmission device can provide an indication of the amount of hydration in the absorbent article regardless of the physical size, shape, material, etc., of the absorbent area. Figure 15 illustrates a transmission device 1500. As illustrated in Figure 15, the transmission device may comprise a wick 1510 and two conductive elements 1520 and 1530 on each side of the wick.

The wick 1510 can be made of any suitable material configured to collect the hydration of the absorbent area. Therefore, a part of the transmission device can be coupled with the absorbent area. In one embodiment, wick 1510 can be made from a chromatographic paper, filter paper and the like. When hydration is received in the absorbent area, some of the hydration can be absorbed by the wick 1510 along a wick stretch.

The length of the wick soaked by hydration will depend on the amount of hydration received in the absorbent area. For example, for greater amounts of hydration in the absorbent core, the greater amount of hydration is soaked by the wick. The larger the amount of hydration soaked by the wick the greater the length of the wick soaked by the hydration in the absorbent core. Therefore, the length of the soaked wick can indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent core.

The rate at which hydration is soaked by the wick can vary over time. For example, the moment when the wick is first exposed to hydration, the wick can soak up the hydration relatively quickly. The rate of transmission, however, may decrease over time. The rate of transmission may also depend on the hydration present in the absorbent article. For example, if a large amount of hydration is introduced into the absorbent area, the initial transmission rate can be significantly higher than the initial transmission rate if only a small amount of hydration is introduced.

If multiple hydration (discharge) events occur, the rate of transmission may increase at the time of each hydration event. For example, a first hydration event may occur in the absorbent area. The transmission can soak some of the hydration of a high transmission rate initially. The rate of transmission can gradually decrease and finally stop when the wick is soaked to a length indicating the amount of hydration in the absorbent area. If a second hydration event occurs, the transmission can absorb more hydration, initially at a higher transmission rate and gradually slow down again.

Therefore, changes in the rate of transmission and the length at which the wick was soaked by hydration can indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent area and the hydration of the person. In other words, the length of the soaked wick can indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Changes in the transmission rate can be correlated with different hydration events. The determination of the time at which hydration events occur can contribute to the analysis of the hydration of a person using the absorbent article. For example, the period of time between hydration events may indicate the hydration of the person.

The conductive elements 1520 and 1530 may be made of a material similar to the materials described in the embodiment of the spaced conductor in the previous section. For example, conductive elements 1520 and 1530 can be made of any combination of conductive sheet, conductive ink, conductive wire and the like.

The processing circuit 118 can monitor the resistance between the conductive elements 1520 and 1530. When the hydration is collected by the wick 1510, the hydration collected by the wick can electrically connect a part from the conductive element 1520 to a part of the conductive element 1530, thereby changing the resistance between the two conductive elements. For example, in FIG. 15, hydration 1540 soaks a length of the wick 1510 by connecting a portion 1521 of the conductive element 1520 to a portion 1531 of the conductive element 1530.

The processing circuit 118 may also monitor the transmission rate along wick 1510. For example, the processing circuit may monitor the rate of change in resistance between the first conductive element 1520 and the second conductive element 1530. The rate of resistance change can indicate the rate at which hydration is moving along the length of wick 1510, and thus indicating the rate of transmission. The processing circuit 118 can use the resistance between the conductive elements and the transmission rate to determine the amount of hydration in the absorbent area.

Because wick 1510 is not subject to variations in size and shape, wick 1510 can provide more constant strength and resistance change along the length of the conductive elements compared to the absorbent area. Therefore, a more accurate estimate of the amount of hydration in the absorbent area can be achieved.

In an embodiment, the wick can be altered to soak in one direction. Therefore, when the absorbent area is wet, the wick in contact with the absorbent pad can soak in a direction perpendicular to the electrodes and connect the electrodes, thereby changing the resistance between the electrodes in the region directly in contact with the wet region. , and providing an exact length of the wet region.

In an embodiment of the invention, the hydration alarm can be installed at the end of the transmission device. Fig. 16 illustrates a transmission device 1600 having a hydration alarm 1610 coupled with a wick 1620. If the hydration that soaks wick 1620 reaches the hydration alarm 1610, or a predetermined resistance value, the hydration alarm may be configured to indicate that the absorbent article is full and must be changed. For example, hydration can soak the full length of the wick and reach the hydration alarm 1610. The hydration alarm 1610 can include a temperature sensor to detect hydration. Alternatively, the hydration alarm may include an open circuit which may be closed by the hydration reaching the hydration alarm, thereby indicating the presence of hydration in the hydration alarm. When detecting hydration, the hydration alarm 1610 can provide an indication that the absorbent article is full.

The indications provided by the hydration alarm 1610 may include visual indications, for example, a color change or visibility of a printed area of the absorbent article. In one embodiment, the hydration alarm 1610 can be configured to send a wireless signal to activate an audible alarm to notify a caregiver regarding the state of the absorbent article.

In an embodiment of the invention, the resolution of the resistance measured by the transmission device can be improved by introducing a plurality of areas of different conduction in the wick. Figure 17 illustrates an example transmission device 1700 with increased resistance resolution. As illustrated in Figure 17, the transmission of the transmission device 1700 includes a plurality of zones 1710. The zones 1710 may have a different conductivity than the area 1720 of the wick. Therefore, as the hydration moves along the length of the wick, the processing circuit 118 can see a step change in resistance between the conductive elements coupled with the wick, thereby increasing the resolution of the resistance.

Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the example operations carried out by the processing circuit 118 to determine the amount of hydration in an absorbent article comprising a wick-based device. The operations begin in step 1801 to receive hydration in an absorbent area 112 of an absorbent article 110 containing a wicking device. The hydration received in the absorbent area can soak a wick associated with the transmission device. The wick may connect a part of a first conductive element to a part of a second conductive element, thereby altering a resistance between the conductive elements. The conductive elements can be made of a previously described conductive sheet, conductive ink or conductive wire.

In step 1802, the processing circuit 118 can analyze the transmission rate for each hydration event. For example, the processing circuit 118 can analyze the rate of resistance change through the conductive elements and the resistance between the spaced conductive elements. For example, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to continuously or periodically measure the resistance between the spaced conductive elements. The rate of resistance change can indicate the number of hydration events in the absorbent article, and the time period between hydration events. Therefore, by correlating the amount of hydration, period of Time between hydration events and the like, hydration of the person can be determined.

IV. Printed Rule In some embodiments of the invention, hydration received in the absorbent area may alter a physical property of hydration device 114. Physical alteration may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent area. For example, the physical alteration may be correlated to a wet region dimension in the absorbent area, and the wet area dimension may itself be correlated to the amount of hydration in the absorbent area.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hydration device 114 may include a ruler printed on a surface of the absorbent article 110. The hydration received in the absorbent area may alter a visual property of the printed ruler. For example, in one embodiment, a part of the printed rule may disappear in response to receiving hydration in the absorbent article. The part of the printed rule that disappears may be correlated to a dimension of the wet region in the absorbent area.

An expert in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the rules that disappear. In the alternate embodiments, a part of an invisible rule may be made to appear alternatively the color of a part of a printed ruler may change to indicate the dimension of the wetted region, and thus the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Any type of ink known in the art to appear, disappear or change color, activated by moisture, can be used to be the printed rule.

Figure 19 illustrates an absorbent article 1900 that includes a printed ruler 1910. Printed ruler 1910 may be placed along a stretch of an absorbent area 112 where hydration is feasibly to be received. The hydration received in the absorbent area 112 may alter the visual characteristics of a part of the 1910 rule. For example, the hydrated area 1920 may cause the visual characteristics of a 1930 part of the printed rule 1920. The 1930 part may appear, disappear or change color in response to receiving hydration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the spacing 1911 of the printed rule 1910 can be adjusted according to variations in the physical dimensions of the absorbent area 112 ·. For example, the absorbent article can be a diaper with different weight profiles and shaped absorbent areas. Therefore, there may be variations in the amount of hydration retained by unit length by the absorbent area. The 1911 spacings may be adjusted to the amount for variations in hydration retained along the length of the 1910 rule.

DETERMINATION OF HYDRATION IN A PERSON As described above, determining whether a person is adequately hydrated can involve determining a fluid exit rate from the person. The total amount of fluid output (hydration) from a person can be computed, for example, by using a hydration device 114 which indicates the volume of fluid received in the absorbent article used by the person. The hydration device 114 may include, for example, the arrangement resistor device, the spaced conductive device, the wick-based device and a printed ruler described herein.

In addition to determining the total amount of fluid output of a person, the period of time over which hydration is received must also be determined to compute the fluid exit rate. Referring back to Figure 1, a chronometer 116 is provided to determine the period of time over which hydration is received in the absorbent article.

In an embodiment of the chronometer of the invention 116 it can be started at the moment of the first discharge into the absorbent article. For example, the timer 116 may include a temperature sensor to determine if hydration is received in the absorbent article. If the temperature sensor detects a temperature greater than a threshold temperature value, the timer 116 can be started. In a mode of the invention, the timer 116 may be started in response to a change in an electrical property of the absorbent area. For example, the timer 116 may be coupled by the contacts placed in the absorbent area. The hydration received in the absorbent area may be to electrically connect the contacts to each other, thus starting the chronometer. In one embodiment, the timer 116 may be started in response to a change in the equivalent resistance of the absorbent area.

Alternatively, the timer 116 can be started at the time the absorbent article is carried by the person. For example, the timer 116 can be manually started and / or manually stopped by pressing a button. In one embodiment, the chronometer 116 can be electrically connected to the contacts placed in the absorbent article. The timer can be started when the contacts are in contact with each other, or the respective tips of a power source. In a particular embodiment, the contacts can be placed on the fasteners of the absorbent article, so that when the absorbent article (for example, the diaper) is placed on a wearer and fastened using the fasteners, the timer is started. In an embodiment, the timer can be started based on a fixed change in the temperature of the absorbent article that can occur when a user carries the absorbent article.

In one embodiment, the timer 118 may be permanently or temporarily set to prevent repositioning of the chronometer by a user of the absorbent article. For example, the chronometer or time meter may be coupled with a diaper to be worn by an infant or a crawling child. Therefore, the timer 118 can be permanently or temporarily set to prevent an accidental reset of the timer by the user of the absorbent article. Any appropriate fixation mechanism can be used. For example, in one embodiment, the timer 118 can rest only if a button associated with the timer is held down for a predefined period of time.

As previously described, the chronometer 116 can be detached from the absorbent article, allowing the chronometer 116 to be reused with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, the amount of hydration in each of the multiple absorbent articles can be determined using the techniques described above to compute a total amount of hydration output from the person. The chronometer 116 can provide a period of time over which the total amount of hydration was received, thereby allowing a computation of the fluid exit rate from the person.

In an embodiment of the chronometer of the invention 116 it may be coupled in communication with the processing circuit 118. The processing circuit 118 may determine an amount of hydration received in the absorbent article using the techniques previously described. The processing circuit 118 can also determine the fluid exit rate for the person using the absorbent article.

In one embodiment, if a processing circuit 118 determines that the fluid exit rate is below an acceptable level, the processing circuit 118 can alert a caregiver by indicating that the person using the absorbent article is dehydrated. For example, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to communicate with, for example, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone, or other similar electronic devices to alert a caregiver about the state of hydration.

In one embodiment, the processing circuit 118 may be configured to communicate with an electronic record keeping device to provide such device data in relation to a person's hydration status. The record keeping device can store the historical data in relation to the hydration of the person. Historical data stored in the record keeping device can be used to determine deviations from historical flows while determining the hydration of the person.

Figure 20 is a flowchart of the example operations carried out to determine hydration in a person. Operations begin in step 2010 by determining a person's hydration output amount. The determination of the amount of hydration output of the person may involve determining a quantity of hydration in an absorbent article. The amount of hydration in the absorbent article can be indicated by an alteration of a physical or electrical property of a device in the absorbent article.

In step 2020, the period of time over which hydration is received can be determined. For example, a chronometer 116 may be started at the time of a first discharge into the absorbent article. The chronometer 116 may follow the period of time over which the Hydration is received in the absorbent article or the multiple absorbent articles.

In step 2030, a fluid exit rate can be computed based on the amount of hydration output by the person and the period of time over which the hydration was received. In step 2040, the hydration of the person can be determined based on the rate of fluid outflow. For example, if the fluid exit rate is below a threshold level, the person can be considered as being dehydrated.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the invention are not limited to determining the hydration of a person. Embodiments of the invention are generally adapted to determine a fluid exit rate based on the hydration received in the absorbent article. For example, in some embodiments, a bleeding rate in a bandage can be determined. The rate of bleeding inside the bandage can cause being significant in the treatment of a person.

In addition, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to use on people. Embodiments of the invention can be incorporated into products to measure the fluid exit rate of any living entity, for example, animals and plants and even non-living entities, by example to determine the fluid exit rate of a draining pipe.

CONCLUSION By allowing a more accurate estimation of the amount of hydration in an absorbent article used by a person, the incorporations of the invention allow a more precise determination of a fluid exit rate from the person, thus allowing the determination of the level of Hydration in the person. Such determination can be critical for caregivers such as mothers of newborns and caregivers of the elderly and disabled to ensure adequate nutrition and the health of the person.

While the foregoing is directed to the embodiments of the present invention, further embodiments of the invention may be designed without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An absorbent article comprising a device for measuring a quantity of hydration in the absorbent product, the device being placed in the absorbent area to receive hydration in the absorbent product, wherein the hydration alters at least one of an electrical property and a Physical property of the device, the alteration of the property provides an indication of a plurality of degrees of a quantity of hydration in the absorbent product regardless of the number of times the absorbent product is subject to a discharge.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of rheostats wherein the hydration connects one or more rheostats of the plurality of rheostats to each other, thereby altering an equivalent resistance of the device, the Equivalent resistance indicates the amount of hydration.

3. The absorbent article as claimed in any one of clauses 1 and 2, characterized in that the equivalent resistance in relation to a dimension of one or more discharge areas of the absorbent article, the one or more discharge areas defined by the hydration where the dimension correlates to the amount of hydration.

4. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the device comprises a ruler printed with ink on the absorbent area, wherein, the hydration alters a visual characteristic of the ink in a hydrated area defined by hydration, by what the length of the rule comprising the altered ink provides an indication of the amount of hydration.

5. The absorbent article as claimed in any one of clauses 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a chronometer to determine a period of time over which the hydration is received in the absorbent article.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in any one of clauses 1 and 5, characterized in that the device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor positioned and separated from each other in the absorbent area, wherein the hydration electrically connects a part of the first conductor to a part of the second conductor thereby altering a resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor, the resistance indicates the amount of hydration.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the first conductor comprises a pattern of conductive ink configured to increase a resolution of the resistance along a surface of the first conductor.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the device comprises a wick wherein the hydration hydrates a part of the wick, thereby altering the resistance of the wick, the equivalent resistance indicating a quantity of hydration.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the wick comprises a material of a first conductivity value and a plurality of defined zones in the transmission, the zones having a second conductivity value, wherein the zones increase a resolution of the resistance change along the wick.

10. A method for determining hydration in an absorbent article comprising: measuring at least one of an electrical property and a physical property of a device in the absorbent product, wherein the mediated property of the device is altered by hydration; Y determining a quantity of the hydration in the absorbent article at least in part on the basis of property as altered by hydration.

11. The method as claimed in clause 10, further characterized in that it comprises, on the basis of the amount of hydration determined in the absorbent article: take a recommended course of action aimed at affecting the hydration of a user of the absorbent article.

12. The method as claimed in any one of clauses 10 and 11, characterized in that the determination of the amount of hydration comprises associating the property, as altered by hydration, with a dimension of a wetted area of the absorbent article comprising hydration, the dimension indicating the amount of hydration.

13. A system to measure hydration in a person that includes: an absorbent article comprising: an absorbent area to receive hydration; Y a device placed on the absorbent area, wherein one or more electrical properties of the device are altered by hydration; Y a processing circuit configured to: monitor the one or more identical properties of the device; Y determine the amount of hydration based on the alteration of electrical properties.

14. The system as claimed in clause 13, further characterized in that it comprises an exhibitor configured to take a recommended course of action directed to affect the hydration of a user of the absorbent article based on the determined amount of hydration in the absorbent article. .

15. The system as claimed in any one of clauses 13 and 14, characterized in that the processing circuit is configured to determine the amount of hydration regardless of the number of times the absorbent article is hydrated.

16. The system as claimed in any one of clauses 13 to 15, characterized in that the The device comprises a plurality of rheostats wherein the hydration connects one or more rheostats of the plurality of rheostats to one another, thereby altering a resistance equivalent to the device, the equivalent resistance indicating the amount of hydration.

17. The system as claimed in any one of clauses 13 to 16, characterized in that the equivalent resistance correlates a dimension of one or more discharge areas of the absorbent article, the one or more discharge areas being defined by the hydration, in where the dimension correlates to the amount of hydration.

18. The system as claimed in any one of clauses 13 to 17, further characterized in that it comprises a chronometer to determine a period of time over which the hydration is received in the absorbent article.

19. The system as claimed in any one of clauses 13, 14, 15 and 18, characterized in that the device comprises a first conductor and a second conductor placed separately from each other on the absorbent area, where the hydration electrically connects a part of the first conductor to a part of the second conductor thereby altering a resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor, the resistance indicates the amount of hydration.

20. The system as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that the first conductor comprises a pattern of conductive ink, characterized in that the conductive ink is configured to increase the resolution of resistance along the surface of the first conductor.

21. The system as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that the device comprises a wick wherein the hydration hydrates a wicking part, thereby altering a wicking resistance, the equivalent resistance indicating a quantity of hydration.

22. The system as claimed in clause '21, characterized in that the wick comprises a material of a first conductivity value and a plurality of zones defined in the wick, the areas having a second conductive value, wherein the zones increase a Resistance change resolution throughout the wick. SUMMARIZES Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining the hydration of an article and / or a person. The physical and / or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article can be altered by the hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration of the absorbent article. further, a period of time to receive the hydration in the absorbent article can also be determined. The hydration of a person can be determined based on the fluid exit rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period to receive hydration.